Sel

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Sel

Accommodation at the heart of South Iceland. Three types of accommodation available; in a house built in the 1960s and furnished in the style of the decade; in a detached house with one double en-suite room; or a summer cottage that sleeps six. Sel is perfectly located for if you intend to tour the South, as many of the country’s more famous attractions are found in this region. Many interesting hiking routes in the neighbouring area. Trout fishing in Brúará River that flows calmly past Sel. Open all year.

Accommodation

Twin rooms and family rooms with a shared bathroom in the old farmhouse at Sel. One bedroom on the 1st floor and three rooms on the upper floor, each differently decorated. Double en-suite rooms in a separate house. A summer cottage that sleeps four with two bedrooms and a loft, a bathroom, cooking facilities and sitting room.

Board

Meals other than breakfast available if pre-ordered. Hosts source ingredients locally and serve for example trout and salmon from nearby lakes and rivers, as well as fresh vegetables from nearby greenhouses. All eggs come from the farm.

The Sel living room, where meals are served, is decorated in the style of the 60s and 70s and many of the objects such as books, paintings, ornaments and furniture once belonged to former inhabitants. The house was built in 1957, and has been restored with respect for the era. Sel has received travellers since 1974.

Service and recreation

Trout fishing permits sold at Sel. Many interesting hiking trails in the area. The nearest village with a shop and a swimming pool is Reykholt (10 km / 6 mi). There is also a pool at Minni-Borg (15 km / 9 mi) and in town Selfoss (32 km / 20 mi), where travellers will also find shops, restaurant and various tourism services. The Laugarvatn Fontana, a spa with hot tubs, saunas and a pool, is located in the eponymous village of Laugarvatn (21 km / 13 mi). Golf courses both by Efra-Sel in village Flúðir (26 km / 16 mi) and by Kiðjaberg in Grímsnes (20 km / 12.5 mi). White river rafting and canoeing on river Hvítá (20 km / 12.5). Many places rent out horses.

Hiking trough old settlements

The farm Sel stands under tuft mountain Mosfell (254 m / 833 ft.). A relatively easy climb, hikers can easily add a walking tour to their outing and depart from Sel on foot. Moreover, it only takes about two hours walk all the way around the mountain. Another interesting hike is to church stead Mosfell, following an ancient church route from Sel. Mosfell has probably been a church stead since the early 11th century, but the church that now stands there dates back to 1848. These moorlands are dressed with a few low hills that separate the farm and river Brúará. It is an area of rich birdlife, through which many interesting hiking trails wind their way. One of those trails leads to waterfall Dynjandi in Brúará.

In the footsteps of bishops and students in Skálholt

Skálholt (6 km / 3.5 mi), easily visible from Sel, was in effect Iceland’s “capital” for centuries and just as sacred, to Icelanders at least, as Þingvellir National Park. Skálholt was the episcopal seat from 1056 – 1796 and a renowned place of higher learning, both before and after the reformation.

Geysir and Gullfoss

The Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur valley (28 km / 17.5 mi) is one of Iceland’s most famous attractions. In addition, Iceland’s most famous and, arguably, most beautiful, waterfall, Gullfoss, is only 10 km (6 mi) away.

Crater Kerið, Þingvellir National Park and Þjórsárdalur valley

Crater Kerið in Grímsnes (20 km / 12.5 mi) is a rather deep crater. At the bottom, an unexpected pond meets the eye. Þingvellir National Park (39 km / 24 mi) is a magical place surrounded by enigmatic mountains and was the assembly point for Iceland’s parliament for almost nine centuries. Here, Iceland was formally declared a republic on June 17th, 1944. Þjórsárdalur (49 km / 30 mi) and its spectacular landscapes is a paradise for nature lovers, and curious explorers can visit a restored historical farm, destroyed by a 12th century eruption but remade to resemble its former glory.